Teams will be able to select up to 26 players for this year's World Cup after football's governing body FIFA increased the maximum squad limit by three on Thursday.
FIFA said the change was due to the unusual timing of the tournament as well as the impact of COVID-19 on squads.
The showpiece event in Qatar will run from November 21 - December 18.
"The number of players to be included on the final list has been increased to at least 23 and a maximum of 26," it said in a statement.
"No more than 26 people (up to 15 substitutes and 11 team officials) will be allowed to sit on the team bench."
UEFA took a similar decision last year, allowing sides to pick three extra players for the European Championship due to the pandemic.
The International Football Association Board this month gave the green light to the use of five substitutions in matches, which was initially introduced as a tweak to the rules because of COVID-19.
Arsenal's Leandro Trossard capitalised on dreadful defending to secure a 1-0 win against Manchester United that saw the Gunners climb back to the top of the Premier League, ensuring the title race will be decided on the final day.
UAE Team Emirates rider Tadej Pogacar has retained his overall lead after Dutchman Olav Kooij won stage nine of the Giro d'Italia on Sunday, pipping Jonathan Milan by half a wheel right at the finish line in a breathless sprint at the end of a 214-km ride from Avezzano to Naples.
Rory McIIroy claimed his fourth Wells Fargo Championship after a superb back nine saw him finish -17 par having trailed by two shots after seven holes.
Alejandro Tabilo claimed the biggest win of his career beating world number one Novak Djokovic 6-2 6-3 in the third round of the Italian Open, two days after the Serbian was hit on the head by a water bottle.